Announcement 15

Media Release

September 2017

South Australia’s future business leaders took the next major step on their professional journey last night at the Industry Leaders Fund (ILF) awards ceremony at the National Wine Centre.

The ILF presented grants totalling $237,000 to 19 scholars to propel them on to the world business stage through local and global study programs and help them reach their professional potential to deliver economic growth in South Australia.

The new scholars, chosen from 47 applicants, will attend programs offered by Harvard Business School, INSEAD, Melbourne Business School, the University of Adelaide, Stanford Graduate School of Business, the University of South Australia, IMD (Switzerland) and Said Business School (Oxford, UK).

The ILF has awarded grants totalling $1.528 million since 2010 and provides a platform for the state’s pacesetting business entrepreneurs to fast-track their careers through the knowledge and experience gained from their educational opportunities.

This year, scholars were presented with their grants by renowned business leader Carolyn Hewson (AO), a former director at Schroders Australia and current non-executive BHP Billiton board member.

“The increased array and profile of the Scholars Network activities has been an even more significant drawcard this year,’’ he said.

“The diversity among the new 2017 scholars is exceptional in terms of age, industry background and gender. And the standard, starting from a very high base, continues to increase.

“This year, the ILF applicants showed outstanding quality and potential, and were more ambitious in the type of course they wished to study.’’

Among the new 2017 scholars are SA Mushrooms CEO and part-owner Nicholas Femia, who received a $20,000 grant to study Harvard Business School’s Owner President Manager program in the US.

Under his guidance, his company has become the second-biggest mushroom farm in SA.

Australian Bee Services managing director Daniel Le Feuvre will study for a Masters of Agri-business degree at the University of Adelaide thanks to a $17,000 grant, as he aims to grow his SA-based company in a competitive environment.

The ILF, a non-government organisation, is private-sector funded and has cemented its position as the leading fund in its field since transitioning from a state-based apprentice training scheme.

It is now recognised as the state’s leading education grants provider and is credited with developing some of South Australia’s highest achievers.